WE, TOO, ARE AMERICA!

As our Church celebrates this momentous occasion, we resolutely affirm, given the current social and political climate, we are living testimony that “Love Wins!” This affirmation is necessary because our present times are so reflective of an image painted centuries ago, by the Prophet Isaiah (59:14):

“Justice is turned backward, and righteousness stands far away; for truth, stumbles in the street, and equity cannot enter”.

In modern-speak, this alludes to the contradictory acts of prejudice, injustice and tyranny currently being enacted throughout these United States. These actions are an affront to the gains obtained by historically marginalized people – we who are women, People of Color, LGBTI, Differently Able, non-Christian – and non-white rich males. But despite this, we refuse to be forced back into closeted existences and second-class citizenship. We are standing up and speaking up because “we, too, are America!”

Our invocation of America is important. It expresses a belief that we, the historically marginalized, are also a valuable part of the country’s fabric and no oppression, discrimination or unfairness, however unrelenting, can stop us from living, loving and growing strong. Even more, because we are People of faith, we are expected to continue God’s cycle of benevolence in the world where diversity counts and respect is common in community. This is really all about love and this idea of the world emerges from the notion of “God, Self and Neighbor”. That’s why, when we, in our daily life with one another, see any tendency to skip over or neglect our neighbor, and consequently fail in our love towards our neighbor, we must act. After all, “every act of love, as Jesus shows us, is an act of resistance to the forces of darkness, division, and hate.”

Our time to resist is now because the onslaught of civil assault is just beginning. In so doing, we are heeding the great Renaissance humanist, Leonardo da Vinci, who said that, “It is easier to resist at the beginning than at the end.” The resistance of which we speak would move us beyond simple protest which only says we don’t like hateful things and refuse to go along with them. Rather, we must build a resistance that seeks to put an end to hateful things and work to make sure everyone else stops going along too. Our resistance should entrench us, more than ever, not only on safeguarding our personal survival but commit us to deliberate acts of resistance that synthesizes the equity of everyone.

Hear anew, the words of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,

“Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.”

For these reasons, let us stand with people of faith and moral commitment in a growing American Resistance to fight unjust actions. Let us intentionally reject the forces of evil, stand against soul-harming hatred and join in movements to stop maltreatment of God’s Children. Our foundation ought to be Jesus’ message of love and freedom for all God’s children. Let us oblige ourselves to always follow the instructions he provided in his Sermon on the Mount in the Beatitudes; and lastly, doing what Jesus teaches us in Matthew 25 in his injunction to help the needy with works of mercy. In the end, every person will be made to feel like a full citizen of this country because “we, too, are America!” and it is how “love wins.”

Meanwhile, hold onto this LICF…

“God has loved us, God’s people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love, God has drawn us to God’s self.” (Jeremiah 31:3)

November 12, 2015

With an Iconic name, matinee idol looks, a quick wit and a generous heart, James Stewart is an excellent example of Long Island’s best…. The pride of Jack and Mary Stewart, Jim is one of 8 siblings and the second half of twins (yes, there’s two of them!). James was born in Levittown into a loving, tight […]

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Testimonials

“Long Island Community Fellowship Church prides itself on welcoming everyone no matter race, gender or sexual orientation. As a mother of a child with autism this welcoming nature goes beyond tolerance and acceptance. LICF Church embraced us both as family.

As a member of their family, they consider my son’s strengths and interests to figure out how he can best participate in the service. If my son has a difficult day I know that I have a congregation of family members there to help and support me instead of looking upon me with disapproving eyes as in other venues. This love and support that we feel every Sunday is inspirational and uplifting. It renews my faith in God along with my belief that there are good and caring people in this world.”

Dawnie Wainwright

“I had resigned myself to the fact that church just wasn’t for me. All I ever heard from church was that I was an abomination and not worthy of God’s love, then I found LICF and my life was transformed. It was there I heard for the first time from the pulpit that God loves me just as I am for he created me and God does NOT make mistakes! I have found my Spiritual home where I am never judged and am always welcomed.”

Eva Sanchez

I came to licf about 3 years ago because a friend was becoming a member and wanted to support her. I was done with church and religion years before and so was only coming for that day. When I arrived I was greeted like I was a friend who had been away on vacation! Never have I felt so welcomed as I am at licf. Family, peace, love and joy live here. The foundation is built on God’s love for us all. I can’t imagine a better church to be a part of.

Vicky-ReneVian Kakes

“LICF is an uplifting place that has been life changing for me. I did not have a Christian life before LICF but now I know that God loves me just the way I am, a gay man.”

Bill Hahn

In 2007, we bought our first home in Long Island and we were searching for a church we could call our own. After visiting a few church communities, we stumbled upon LICF. The members were so welcoming – with open arms and smiles on their faces; Pastor Shane filled the room with God’s Word of love and acceptance (regardless of who we are), and the music played was uplifting and joyous! We knew that was home.

The LICF community has become our extended family throughout the years. Although our busy lives and travel schedule, sometimes keep us away, we know we can always walk in the door and feel at home. LICF is a growing community striving to reach all those looking to regain their faith – it is a place you can be yourself and know that we are all loved by God. Thank you LICF!

Jessy and Caroline

“My church Long Island Community Fellowship has played a very important role in my life for the past 10 years. Church has been important part of my spiritual life. It has kept me connected to my God and to my fellow parishioners. I have brought my family members into the church and they have all been accepted and loved. I think that Long Island Community Fellowship Church is a very important part of the overall Community of West Babylon here on Long Island and the surrounding towns and I realize when I leave this community I will never find a compatible Church as good and faithful as Long Island Community Fellowship of West Babylon New York.”

-Jackie Hewlett

Jackie Hewlett

“The first time I walked into LICF I knew I was home! I felt peace and love which is what I had been looking for in a church. I am so happy here. If I had to describe LICF in one word it would be Home“.

Peace and Love

Gigi Marroquin

“Our incredible GLBT/Allied family, yes we’re just that amazing! 🙂 You should come to our church, get up lifted each week as we do, feel the amazingly powerful spirit and love that fills our sanctuary!”

Erika Myers

“A little over five years ago I found myself looking for someone or something to help me through a very bad time in my life. That something turned out to be LICF, Long Island Community Fellowship church. From the very moment I walked through the church door, the members of LICF became my second family. More importantly, I became reunited with God. He was the someone I was really looking for, He is my hero. LICF is an LGBT church, open and welcoming to everyone.”

Barbara Salva

“I’ve been attending LICF for a few years now. So it was interesting that one Sunday while listening to the choir sing a medley, for the first time, I could feel the Christ within. LICF is an answer to a prayer. A prayer that my faith may grow”.

Sandra Mathis

“I came to Long Island Community Fellowship in 2009, and was immediately welcomed and accepted just as I was. No hiding, no fears. Long Island Community Fellowship showed me from day one that they lived up to one of their favorite sayings: ‘More than a Church…We’re a Family!’ I am very proud to be a part of this amazing family.”

Eddie Finan

“We were both brought up being raised Catholic. After many years of failed attempts to find a Christian (house of worship) we finally came across LICF. Finding a spiritual Church that welcomes all God’s children, has given us the blessing to reclaim our faith…*(Happily Married, 25yrs)* –

Glenn and Pete Daly

“I finally found a church where I’m welcome, just as I am. The people here have become my extended family. I am challenged now, to bring the best worship music to our services.”

Joe Fiore Jr.

“Long Island Community Fellowship is home for me. Everyone is welcome, and I feel the presence of God. We are community; we are family. Our slogan Faith is a journey not a guilt trip, says it all!”

Christine Bargellini

LICF is my safe haven, I feel so very welcome. I can close my eyes and pray to God and I can feel his presence. I count the days when I can go to church. I have never felt more happier than I am since I walked into LICF church. I have a family that is there for me 24/7. They are my walking Angels and when church is over I feel like a new person.

Sandy “The Mayor” Faison

My life has been enlightened with the blessing of a new found family in the LICF family.Being a member of LICF has helped me regain my faith in life, people and most importantly in GOD.

Melissa Brown

I was first introduced to LICF through their Sports Ministry. After being away from Long Island for several years, and not knowing where to meet other LGBT people, I started asking around about where could I find a softball team. That was when I learned about the LICF Angels. I made a phone call and was quickly invited to play on their team. I heard some of the players speaking of LICF and was invited to worship and fellowship with them.

I went to my first sunday service about 3 years ago, and have been attending services regularly since. When I walked into the sanctuary I felt what they meant by “family”. What a welcoming environment, I have never felt like I was home in a religious setting before. I have since become a member and found that my life Is changing and I am now on one of the best journey of my life. My faith walk.

Ramona Atiles

I came to LICF in April of last year. I can’t express how much love the church gives me. LICF is more than a church, we are a family. I love my church so much!

Erica Mckenzie

What does LICF mean to me? Family, love, friendships and trust. I’d been searching for a church where I could be myself and be accepted for who I am. I found that here at LICF. From the moment I walked in I felt welcomed. After hearing Pastor Shane I knew this would be my place to call home, to worship God. The friendships I’ve made will stay with me forever. My spiritual growth with the Lord helps me be a better person with the choices I make in life. I’m thankful everyday that I came to LICF. I look forward to every Sunday service and events that we share as a family.

Kathy Weller

“Long Island Community Fellowship, is a Church where I can Freely Worship, Praise, Glorify and Honor Jesus Christ just the way God created me to be, without feeling an outcast while being Spiritually fed on the Word of God. LICF, It is more than a Church, it is Home to me as I look forward to each and every Sunday for fellowship with my Church Family in Christ Jesus AMEN.”

Aneta Fraser

“LICF is a place I can go to give thanks to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for all he’s done for me throughout my life. At Long Island Community Fellowship ( in the presence of the Holy Spirit) I can join together with like minded people to worship and praise God in the beauty of Holiness”.